Non-cystoscopic Removal of Retained Ureteral Stents With Mild Sedation in Children

IntroductionWe present a novel noncyctoscopic procedure in removing retained ureteral stents that requires minimal sedation and significantly reduces operation time and costs compared to the cystoscopy-based procedure.Technical ConsiderationsWe used a simple self-made device, which was made of an Fr5 feeding tube and a monofilament suture to remove the stents. Although the success rate is very high with this new procedure, it is important to point out that approximately 13% of our patients required 2 to 3 trials to remove the stents. Another potential problem is that the feeding tube may tie a knot when it is in the bladder, which could pose a risk of urethral injury when the knot is pulled out.ConclusionThe noncystoscopic procedure we have established has less operation time and costs less. This procedure provides an alternative solution in removing retained ureteral stents in child patients compared to conventional cystoscopy-based procedure.